It doesn’t take much in the way of assets or income for a person to be ineligible for Medicaid assistance. Strict income caps can put people in a difficult position. Do you “spend down” or burn through the bulk of your assets to get the medical assistance you need? Do...
Serving the Cleveland Area since 1994
Serving the Cleveland Area since 1994
How to talk with your parents about long-term care planning
Discussions surrounding long-term care planning can be difficult. No one wants to think about the toll that the passage of time can have on one’s mind and body. However, it’s better to have these conversations now than scrambling for long-term care help at the moment...
Providing for pets in the nursing home
When making the transition into long-term care or assisted living, one of your top concerns is the mental health and well-being of your loved one. Studies have shown that owning a pet has many positive effects on mental and physical health. The emotional bond people...
What makes a will legal in Ohio?
One of the most common questions we hear is, "What makes a will legal?" Sometimes, the person asking is worried that their final wishes won't be respected. Other times, we hear the question when someone suspects -- for one reason or another -- that a will shouldn't...
Why does probate take so long in Ohio?
One of the many reasons that people hate it when an estate goes through probate is that it can take a long time to "settle" the estate and finally give the heirs their inheritance. You can generally expect the probate process in Ohio to last a minimum of six months --...
Should you pre-plan you funeral or memorial service?
When people take the step of creating a last will or estate plan, one issue they often overlook is taking the time to plan for their funeral. After all, your funeral service is going to remind people of your legacy and provide comfort to your loved ones as they grieve...
With a blended family, you must protect your children’s share
You get married and have two children. Then your spouse files for divorce. You split up, wait a few years, and get married again. Your new spouse also has two kids from a previous marriage. This relationship lasts. As you both grow older, you decide to do your estate...
Dividing up your jewelry in your will: What to consider
One of the questions a lot of our older clients struggle with is what to do with their jewelry and watches. Many of these items are beautiful, costly and hold emotional significance for their owners -- so they want their heirs to inherit the pieces. At the same time,...
Ohio’s guardianship problem
Here's a fact that should startle -- if not outright scare -- most Ohio seniors: Only 9 percent of the state's probate courts require a proposed ward to be present for an initial guardianship hearing. Yes, that's right. In the majority of probate courts, a relative...
Securing tangible property after someone dies
So, you've been left in charge of someone's estate and everyone seems to be clamoring at your door with requests. Your brother, Bob, wants you to hand over Dad's watch because it was always promised to him. Your cousin, Anne, wants the silver tea set she was supposed...